IT started out as idle chit-chat but a group of Droit-wich pub regulars have realised their dream and bought a racehorse.

Owning racehorses is traditionally the preserve of the rich and famous -- think the Queen, Aga Khan, Robert Sangster -- but landlord Dave Webb and friends at the Star and Garter are proving an exception to the rule.

Webb and friends are the proud owners of Blakeshall Quest -- a four-year-old filly who they bought for just over £4,000 in January.

As Sir Alex Ferguson would confirm, investing money in half a ton of equine muscle can lead to sleepless nights.

The Manchester United manager is no doubt still reflecting on the reported £50m plus that got away when he lost out on breeding rights to Rock of Gibraltar to John Magniers.

But the thrill of seeing your horse shoot to victory can be worth any amount of strife and hassle -- and they've so enjoyed the experience that they recently shelled out £6,000 on another two-year-old filly, Mermaid's Cry.

Blakeshall Quest has proved a shrewd investment for the syndicate - winning her first four races and netting £18,000 in prize money.

However, syndicate member Wayne Smith insists owning a racehorse is a labour of love as much as a money-spinning exercise.

"At the end of the day we're all working people who have to work to pay for her," he said.

"And it's not cheap to keep her going either. There's entry fees, jockey fees, training fees, new shoes every six weeks but it's worth it."

If the reality of owning a racehorse is hard cash, the journey there was the stuff of fantasy and, like many of the best schemes, hatched over a few pints.

Webb, Smith and pals, including Alan Gandy, Rod Smith, Steve Ward and Phil Brown -- all racing enthusiasts -- often speculated on the possibility of owning a racehorse but never thought anything would emerge from their idle musings.

"A lot of the lads in the pub talked about it but it was just the usual pub talk," said Wayne Smith.

"But someone took it a bit further and got hold of a trainer at Elmley Castle -- Roy Brotherton --who said if you want a horse, I'll get you a horse.

"Five weeks later she won at 16-1 with £3,000 prize money and we haven't looked back."

"Most of us go up there at the end of the week to watch her train," added Smith.

"She won her first four races though we only bought her for a bit of fun.

"We didn't know Roy Brotherton from Adam. We just rang him up because he'd got a local yard.

"It's not worth having a horse when you can't go and see her. Most of us go down to see Blakeshall Quest every week and some of the lads have got kids and they love to go and see her."

If owning a racehorse is a dream then seeing her win is something else, explains Smith.

"It's unbelievable. I'm nervous watching her race, and I don't care where she comes, just so long as she comes home safe.

"But when she wins it's unreal -- you're on a high and you've got no worries."

For Star and Garter landlord, Webb, it's proved a similar story.

"It's absolutely fantastic to own a racehorse and for her to do so well is brilliant," he said.

"We've had some good days out with her. Roy Brotherton is very down to earth and hands on.

"We bought her without looking at her. It was a rush decision but has turned out to be worth it."